Buy Social: Delivering Social Impact Through Purchasing

Our purchasing decisions influence the way that supply chains develop.

Seeking the lowest price at all costs can result in supply chains with layers of hidden costs through damage to the environment and to the communities involved in that supply chain.

However, there are great examples where buyers have changed supply chains in order to deliver positive social outcomes.

One example of this has been in coffee.

When enough consumers chose to buy Fair Trade coffee, roasters altered their supply chain to accommodate demand and in so doing raised the wage levels and working conditions of coffee farmers and the communities that they live in.

As demand for Fair Trade coffee increased, production became more efficient and price declined. Fair Trade coffee now provides good coffee at competitive market prices while generating positive social outcomes.

Whether you buy for government, business or simply yourself as an individual consumer you have the power to change supply chains to generate social impact.

What type of consumer are you?

In 2012, market research organisation Mobium undertook research into values based consumers and found that 10% of the consumer marketplace are ‘leaders’ who actively seek out products and services that deliver social benefit in production or through redistribution of profits.

The same research found that 40% of the market are ‘leaners’ who are likely to make values based purchasing decisions when they are provided with values information; and the remaining 50% of the market are ‘laggards’ who do not consider values in their purchasing decisions.

Positive impact through purchasing

Marketplaces that deliver positive social impact are beginning to emerge in Australia and across the world. While the Fair Trade movement has led the way, we are now beginning to see conscious consumers, businesses and governments choosing to disrupt the way that they traditionally buy to incorporate social benefit into their supply chain.

In 2014, Social Traders published research into social procurement in Australia’s corporate sector. The findings identified that the mining industry had embraced and mandated social procurement as a mechanism for delivering indigenous economic development in the communities where they operated.

Of the 31 companies that were surveyed, it was found that 11 were undertaking social procurement in 2012, and 29 indicated an intention to be socially procuring by 2014.

Likewise, Governments in Australia have also begun to realise the power of social procurement.

The South Australian Government has incorporated clauses into road construction contracts specifying that 20% of the workforce should come from indigenous communities, people re-skilling from the automotive industry and the long-term unemployed.

The West Australian Government has spent over $20 million with social enterprises delivering employment for people with disabilities in the last three years.

Both the NSW and Federal Government have set hard targets for contracts going to indigenous businesses.

Procurement spend across all levels of government in Australia alone equates to over $100 billion. Consumer and corporate spending far outstrips Government procurement of goods and services - consumer spending alone is more than five times greater than government spending.

Put together this amounts to almost one trillion dollars of buying power that has the opportunity to deliver social benefit as well as providing required goods and services.

Purchasing to generate positive social impact through consumer spending together with public and private sector procurement, possibly represents the greatest untapped mechanism for social change in this country.

USA leads Australia

In the US the commitment to buying social has been more significant than in Australia. Government has been the champion of social procurement, utilising legislation to mandate purchasing from minority owned business - those businesses majority owned by communities under-represented in company ownership. This policy, introduced in 1977 now generates over $100 billion per annum in government procurement being spent with minority suppliers in the USA.

Legislation has also been enacted requiring all US Federal Departments to determine if their contract needs can be met by a social enterprise (employing people with a disability) at a competitive price, before going out to open tender.

This has resulted in social enterprises securing $2 billion per annum from government contracts, creating jobs for 50,000 people with disabilities.

The US Government is showing true leadership through its procurement policies by setting procurement targets designed to reduce inequality. This leadership has spilled over to the private sector, where many companies are introducing social procurement policies and targets into their organisations.

We need more public and private sector leadership to Buy Social

Just as improving environmental standards over the decades has been driven by Government leadership, and then adopted by businesses, we are calling for similar commitments to social impact via procurement policies and processes in Australia.

According to the Finding Australia’s Social Enterprise Sector (FASES) research, there are an estimated 20,000 social enterprises operating in Australia.

Social Traders estimates that approximately 2,000 of these social enterprises are committed to the creation of employment for disadvantaged groups and collectively create jobs for 35,000 Australians who were previously long-term unemployed or are at risk of unemployment.

Proactive government and corporate purchasing strategies designed to increase procurement from social enterprise and similar socially focused organisations would increase turnover and allow these enterprises to contribute greater social benefit to Australia, while of course still providing the required goods and services to the purchaser.

If over time government and business committed $10 billion (1-2% of their procurement budget) per annum in spending on social enterprise, this would create up to 150,000 social enterprise jobs, with 110,000 going to the long term unemployed and those at risk of unemployment. Even accounting for displacement of some existing workers we anticipate that over 50,000 more people could become economically active, simply by changing who we buy from.

With 10% of Australians already buying from social enterprises and other organisations that generate positive social benefit, a shift towards socially conscience purchasing is already underway. The time is now ripe to increase the speed of this shift and magnify its potential.

This acceleration can be achieved through Governments embracing the concept and raising the awareness of buying socially across the broader community.

Are all those previously referenced descendants of Ned Kelly​ or do they make Ned look respectable? Just remember - these people hide behind a cloak of financial and business respectability ---- and they are trashing Australia's reputation.

Friday, 23 October 2015

I have a Facebook friend who lives
in Zimbabe. I am rather fond of Zimbabwe having visited the country
some years ago for a short time. It is a beautiful place - and Harare
is wonderful around this time when the Jacarandas are in bloom in
streets and garden. Zimbabwe could be a substantial food bowl. It has
mineral resources. It has the marvellous Victoria Falls and other sites
to attract tourists. The people are lovely - except for those who are
corrupt or have a political dictatorship mentality.

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Wednesday
21 October 7:30 pm - 9pm: Tim Colebatch: Tax Changes or Tax Reform?Tim Colebatchis
a writer, freelance journalist, and former economics editor of
the Age. In the first half of his long career, before focusing on
economics, he covered many roles, including environment writer,
investigative reporter, editorial writer, political and economic
columnist, and Washington correspondent.

Thursday
22 October, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm: Syria – What is Happening?Speaker:Shahram
Akbarzadeh,whois
a Research Professor of Middle East and Central Asian Politics.Dr Akbarzadehworks
at Deakin University.He has an active research interest in the politics
of Central Asia, Islam, Muslims in Australia and the Middle East. We will give
an update on the various ways BrigidineAsylum
Seeker Projectis helping asylum seekers and also explore the
needs and what further assistance is needed.Venue:
St Joseph’s Hall (beside the bluestone church),274
Rouse Street, Port Melbourne.Contact: 03 9696 2107.

Monday
26 October, 7 pm – 9.30 pm:Peace
in Australia: The untold story: From Military Security to Human Security:
Beyond the Cold War & War on Terror.Launch of Peace Museum. The Road Taken: from
Vietnam to Afghanistan and Iraq Emeritus Professor withJoseph
Camilleri OAM, La Trobe University; Followed by
questions and comments The Road We Must Travel: Prof
Camilleriin conversation with Prof Jacqui True,
Monash University;Prof Robyn Eckersley, University of Melbourne; A/Prof Marianne Hanson,
University of Queensland. Venue:Unitarian
Peace Memorial Church 110 Grey Street, East Melbourne. Presented by Pax Christi
Victoria for the Anzac Centenary Peace Coalition. Further information:camrita44@gmail.com

Wednesday
28 October, 10 am – 11.30 am: The Australian Climate Security Panel.Australia
and its neighbours are on the frontline of climate change. Soaring
temperatures, rising sea levels and increases in extreme weather events will
play a role in raising the risk of conflict, increasing the displacement of
people and worsening the extent of destruction caused by extreme weather events
in our region Hosted by UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy,
the panel will discuss climate change, its security implications and the steps
being taken by the US and UK militaries to be prepared. Speakers: Rear
Admiral David Titley, USN (Ret.), who initiated and led the US Navy’s Task
Force on Climate Change whilst serving in the Pentagon; Rear Admiral Neil
Morisetti, RN (Ret.), who acted as the UK Government’s Climate and Energy
Security Envoy;Admiral Chris Barrie (Ret.), Australia's former Chief of
Defence;Professor Will Steffen, world leading climate change expert and Climate
Councillor. Where:UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force
Academy. Tickets are limited,click here for more informationand
to reserve your seat in the auditorium.

Friday
6 November – Saturday 7 November, 9.30 am – 5.30 pm: Turn Conflicts into
Opportunities.Our relationships are often the most important
thing in our life. But when was the last time you took the time to explore how
YOU can build better relationships with yourself and others? The "Turn
Conflicts to Opportunities" training is a GREAT opportunity to share in a
safe and supportive space, and really dive deep into powerful, transformative
tools, so that you can integrate them into your life and use them daily.Facilitator:Efrat Wolfson. At Leisure
Centre, Eastwood Street, Ballarat VIC.Costs?
$355 / $325 early bird special (till 5/10). For more info: For more details and testimonials - click on
this link

Monday 9 November – Tuesday 10 November, 9 am – 5 pm: Community
Development: Introductory Course.Become more confident in
designing & facilitating community development programs & activities.Learn
practical ways of empowering communities; understand the basic concepts of
Community Development; examine power and change processes; discuss community
development practices; hold conversations with experienced Community
Development workers; access to further learning resources; come to understand
the field; use the modes of head (intellect), heart (feelings), hands
(practical work with people) and feet (groundedness). Venue:2 Minona Street, Hawthorn.

Tuesday 10 November, 6.30 pm – 8 pm:When
Brunswick and Coburg voted “NO” to war.Brunswick and Coburg’s dramatic history and role in
the WW1 referendums on conscription will be discussed at a public meeting
on 10 November. The people of Brunswick and Coburg voted “No” to conscription.
Local leaders included John Curtin, Frank Anstey and Bella Guerin.
Anti-conscription campaigners were imprisoned in Coburg’s Pentridge Gaol both
in WW1 and during the Vietnam War - including speakerMichael
Hamel-Green. The inaugural meeting of the Brunswick-Coburg
1916-17 Anti-Conscription Commemoration Committee (BCCCC) - with
suggested future activities presented for discussion. All welcome. WHERE:
St Ambrose Community Centre, 287 Sydney Rd Brunswick (the centre for
anti-conscription campaigners in 1916-17!). INFO: Nancy, 0490 182 041

Wednesday 11 November – Thursday 12 November, 9 am – 5 pm: Community
Development: Intermediate Course.Become more confident in
designing & facilitating community development programs & activities.Learn
practical ways of empowering communities; understand the basic concepts of
Community Development; examine power and change processes; discuss community
development practices; hold conversations with experienced Community
Development workers; access to further learning resources; come to understand
the field; use the modes of head (intellect), heart (feelings), hands
(practical work with people) and feet (groundedness). Venue:2 Minona Street, Hawthorn.

Saturday 14 November – Sunday 15
November, 9.30 am – 5.30 pm: Turn Conflicts into Opportunities.Our relationships are often the most important thing in our life. But
when was the last time you took the time to explore how YOU can build better
relationships with yourself and others? The "Turn Conflicts to
Opportunities" training is a GREAT opportunity to share in a safe and
supportive space, and really dive deep into powerful, transformative tools, so
that you can integrate them into your life and use them daily.Facilitator:Efrat Wolfson.At St
Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre, 385 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne.
Costs? $355 / $325 early bird special (till 5/10). For more info: For more details and testimonials - click on
this link

Saturday 14 November – Thursday 19
November:The Nonviolent Interfaith Leadership Program.Participants of the program will come together for a 5-day retreat in
Melbourne at the beautiful Edmund Rice Retreat and Spirituality Centre
‘Amberley’ situated on a bend of the Yarra River in Lower Plenty. In an
inspiring interfaith environment, participants will form a community of
practice and together study the art of nonviolent leadership in ways that will
deepen their leadership potential and expand their capacity to make vital
contributions to their community and the world. A team of highly skilled,
richly experienced and deeply spiritual facilitators will guide participants
through a 5-day retreat. For detailssee:http://www.nonviolentinterfaithleadership.org/announcement-2015-program/

Friday 27 November, 5.30 pm: Climate
Rally.This November, the climate talks will be held in
Paris, home of the baguette, the beret and – in a foreboding symbol for heads
of state – the guillotine. Of course, throughout history Paris has also been
home to mass demonstrations that toppled unpopular regimes, a fact that
shouldn’t be lost on leaders anxious about the outcome. As delegates arrive in
Paris, Melbourne will kick off a weekend of global climate action with a
People’s Climate March. Meet at the State Library, Swanston Street.Click herefor more
information.

Thursday 3
December and Friday 4 December, Registration at 8.45 am, program 9.30 am to
5.30 pm: Ethical Enterprise Conference 2015. The Ethical Enterprise Conferenceis
a positive educational and networking event for ethical and social enterprises,
to discuss the rewards, challenges, issues and opportunities facing ethical and
social enterprises, large and small. The conference will bring together a
community of professionals, business owners, managers, new social
entrepreneurs, students and ethical business leaders with like-minded
values. Speakers includeStephanie Woollard, Ross Honeywill, and many more.Venue: The Carlton
Connect Initiative University of Melbourne, LAB-14, 700 Swanston Street,
Carlton, 3053.Click here for more information

Anti-Slavery Day,created in 2010 by an Act of Parliament in Britain, aims to raise awareness of modern-day slaver and to inspire people to do what they can to eliminate it. The bill defines modern-day slavery as child trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude and trafficking for sexual exploitation.

This day is championed by Anti-Slavery International which, founded in 1839, is the world's oldest international human rights organisation and the only charity in the United Kingdom to work exclusively against slavery.

18 October: Anti-Slavery Day

Anti-Slavery Day, created in 2010 by an Act of Parliament in Britain, aims to raise awareness of modern-day slavery and to inspire people to do what they can to eliminate it. The bill defines modern-day slavery as child trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude and trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Thursday, 15 October 2015

This week we saw what happens to Australian animals who are ‘protected’ by live export regulations. Imagine what happens to the animals who don’t even qualify for protection.

This is the case for the 90,000 dairy cows who are exported live every year from Australia.

Even though they are exposed to the same risks and suffering as animals exported for slaughter, dairy cows and their calves are excluded from the most basic live export standards once they arrive at their destination.

Live exporters have no legal obligation to ensure the welfare of Australian dairy cows once overseas, leaving our animals vulnerable to rough handling, abuse and cruel slaughter.

These dairy cows are the forgotten victims of the live export trade. The Government says it is too hard to protect them. We say it’s time to end the trade. Add your voice to the campaign to end dairy cow exports.

Organised by Welcome
to Australia, this huge event is being held in 20 cities around
Australia! Dubbed as ‘Walk Together’, the event is going to be a synchronised
national march to celebrate diversity and a“declaration
that thousands of Australians believe we can become a nation known for our compassion,
generosity and welcome”

I’m so
happy that this event is being held in so many cities, after getting so excited
about the Stand Up for Refugees Rally in Melbourne
and then realising I couldn’t make it!

After
a wonderful successful march in Walk Together is holding events in over 20
cities.

Wagga Wagga: Lake Albert Apex Park, 10:30am for
registration. Walk at 11am, followed by a BBQ!

Whyalla: This event is on Friday the 29th to
coincide the theHappiest Refugee Live Show. Meeting at 6pm at
Westlands food court for tea, walking at 7:10pm to Middleback Theatre for Anh
Do’s show at 8pm. Tickets.

Wollongong: MacCabe Park at 11am, walking to Market Square
for a family festival day of music, performances, picnic lunch (bring a plate!)
and speeches.

How
awesome is that! I really hope you can all make it to one of these cities on or
around 31 October. Further information is still being released for many of the
cities so watch this space!

I
absolutely love this video with Shane Phillips and others saying welcome. I
wish I had made it :)

If
you’d like to volunteer to help organise (there must be a lot of organising to
be done for such a large event), or if you want to host an event in one of the
other cities not listed above, or if you have any questions, email walktogether@welcometoaustralia.org.au

creative commons

Welcome to The Network

Thank you for dropping by! I do hope you come to The Network on a regular basis. to ensure that you keep up with what is now and happening on The Network.

The Network is a blog of progressive political and social comment --- with an occasional spice of spirituality thrown in for flavour.

The Network comes from the life experiences of Miss Eagle - otherwise known as Brigid O'Carroll Walsh. Brigid has a wide range of experience in politics, trade unions, corporates, and government. Her environmental interests are in water, land, food and waste. She wishes she knew more about soil, birds, and plants.

Brigid lives on the land of the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation. The Creator Spirit of the Kulin peoples is Bunjil, the Wedgetail Eagle. Brigid wishes to express her gratitude to The Creator for the land in which she lives and the environment in which she has been placed.